In Newfoundland and Labrador each year, Canada Day takes on a sombre tone.

The first of July is also when the province holds its Memorial Day to reflect on the wars and commemorate those who served.

This year, the services are especially significant, as those in St. John’s and elsewhere mark the 100-year anniversary of the battle at Beaumont-Hamel, a bloody fight that saw only 68 of the Newfoundland Regiment’s 800 or so soldiers return unharmed.

Lesley Galway’s grandfather Thomas Horan, who served in the 212th Regiment, was injured in the first hours of the fight that launched the Battle of the Somme.

“He was going over the top and got some distance before he was hit in the stomach by shrapnel, and he needed to get back to the trench.” Galway said. “So he took his knapsack off his back to hold his stomach in place, and he crawled back.”

Galway said she believes Horan survived the battle because of those actions.

“If he was alive, he would be here today, honouring everyone who gave so much for our country and for others,” Galway said.

Veterans of the Second World War were also among the thousands attending the ceremonies.

Charles Moores, a member of the Merchant Marine, recalled some of his harrowing experiences from the war.

“I was torpedoed,” Moores said. “Spent three hours in the water. Three days in a lifeboat. And while I was in the water I lost one of my shoes kicking off the sharks.”

Joe Pearcey, another veteran of the Second World War, said Friday’s was the biggest Memorial Day crowd he’d seen.

“I’ve never seen it like this before,” Pearcey said.

“I hope the young generation would remember the First World War,” Pearcey continued, “And the Second World War, and they will always look for peace in the world and God bless them all.”

With a report from NTV’s Heather Gillis